More Family Trip Tips

Updated on May 21, 2016

Our family motto is, “Have car, will travel!” We’ve driven thousands of miles (and
kilometers!) around the United States and Canada. We’ve picked up a few helpful tricks along the way. So whether you’re traveling to a Fort Meyers
Beach Condo or camping
your way up to the Yukon, here are a few things to keep in mind.

An ounce of prevention…

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and the
same is true for advance preparation on trips. Take the time to carefully plan where you’re going, what
you’re doing, where you’ll be staying, etc. before you hit the road. Plans can change along the way, but
having a general idea of how you’d like things to go will help save some stress
and headaches later.

Source

Communication is key

Communication
between spouses is probably most important. Be clear with one another what your expectations of the trip
are, and keep talking along the way.
Also, we have found it helpful for the parents to talk with the children
before, during and after the trip, explaining the guidelines and expectations
for the trip, and any contingency plans that might arise. Of course, the children can also be
encouraged to practice appropriate communication with each other (i.e., trying
to avoid arguments in the back seat, etc.).

Beyond the limits

Many families enjoy the possibility of grand adventures
together. It can be fun to reach
beyond your comfort zone and try some new things, like traveling to
new places or just doing something you’ve never done before, to break out
of your limits and explore as a family.
Be aware of the limits of each family member, though, and don’t push
anyone too far, too fast – otherwise you can ruin the trip for them, and
possibly for everyone.

Source

The Best and the Worst

Realize that while traveling, and being in each others’ space for long periods of time, that the best and the worst can both come out in your family members. You will likely make some fantastic memories, but you will also possibly make some of your worst. Tired, motion-sick, bored children are rarely pleasant, and neither are stressed, silence-deprived, hungry parents. Give each other some extra grace and extra space when needed.

Family trips can
be made easier, and can be great when you keep these tips, and others, in
mind. No matter where you’re
going, it takes a little advance prep and some good communication along the
way, but getting outside your limits, and enduring both the best and the worst
of it all, will undoubtedly make some great memories!

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3 comments

Your kids are the perfect age to remember these things done as a family while traveling on vacation. Enjoy!!! You'll look back someday and wonder where the time went. I fondly remember the trips taken with my family when I was a youngster. :)))